Subscribe to our mailing list

What’s the best way to beat the winter blues? By embracing the cold, bundling up and hitting up local events and activities. And the good news is that Minnesota has plenty to offer.

Below we offer you a guide to a number of Twin Cities winter events and activities that you can partake in this January, February and March.

1. St. Paul Winter Carnival

Dates: Jan. 24 through Feb. 3, 2019Locations: St. Paul

Why Go: Part of The Great Northern tradition in Minnesota, the St. Paul Winter Carnival is 11 days of fun in the snow and ice, with events such as: Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, Disc Golf Ice Bowl, Autonomous Snowplow Competition, Ice Palaces and more.Website: https://www.wintercarnival.com/

2. United States Pond Hockey Championship

Dates: Jan. 24-27, 2019Location: Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis

Why Go: Hockey. The way nature intended. Instead of nets and goalies, you’ll find homemade goals crafted out of wood. Entering its 14th year, the tournament features numerous divisions of competitive play as well as an open rink designated for family skating. Bundle up and head down to South Minneapolis to check out this awesome event that will leave you yearning to lace up your skates and play some backyard hockey.

3. Ice Castles in Stillwater

Dates: Weather dependent. Typically opens late January and runs through the end of winter.Location: Lift Bridge in Stillwater

Why Go: While ice is unpleasant to drive on, it can be breathtaking to look at. Head to Stillwater this winter to gaze at the spectacularly-sculptured ice castles. The spectacle is open six days a week and can be visited both during the day or at night, where the ice is colorfully lit. Special events are hosted at the Ice Castles, including Disney Princess appearance and star-gazing parties with local meteorologists. Tickets can be purchased at Ice Castles official website

4. Winter Light at the Arboretum

Dates: Through mid-AprilLocation: The Arboretum in Chaska

Why Go: Minnesota is home to dozens of fantastic art museums. But very few are specifically designed to be enjoyed outside in the cold. This winter, acclaimed artist Bruce Munro has transformed the Arboretum into a stunning light exhibit. Featuring six large-scale installations and a series of animations, the Arboretum is a chilly visual delight. Need a fresh idea for date night? Grab a couple glasses of wine and a pair of sandwiches to enjoy as you walk through the exhibits. Tickets and event information can be found at the arboretum’s official website.

5. 5k’s and Other Races

There are pros and cons to the all the tremendous holiday food you’ve been eating this winter. Need I say more? Get a head start on summer by participating in one of the many local races. Need more incentive? Most of the races align with tremendous non-profits to help raise funds and awareness.

6. Loppet Cross Country Ski Festival

Dates: Jan. 31 – Feb. 3, 2019Location: Minneapolis

Why Go: Did the prospect of entering a race this winter garner your interest, but leave you desiring a bit more? How about participating in a cross country ski race? The Loppet festival features a weekend of events for participants and spectators. Among the events are:

What’s the best way to beat the winter blues? By embracing the cold, bundling up and hitting up local events and activities. And the good news is that Minnesota has plenty to offer.

Below we offer you a guide to a number of Twin Cities winter events and activities that you can partake in this January, February and March.

1. St. Paul Winter Carnival

Dates: Jan. 24 through Feb. 3, 2019Locations: St. Paul

Why Go: Part of The Great Northern tradition in Minnesota, the St. Paul Winter Carnival is 11 days of fun in the snow and ice, with events such as: Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, Disc Golf Ice Bowl, Autonomous Snowplow Competition, Ice Palaces and more.Website: https://www.wintercarnival.com/

2. United States Pond Hockey Championship

Dates: Jan. 24-27, 2019Location: Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis

Why Go: Hockey. The way nature intended. Instead of nets and goalies, you’ll find homemade goals crafted out of wood. Entering its 14th year, the tournament features numerous divisions of competitive play as well as an open rink designated for family skating. Bundle up and head down to South Minneapolis to check out this awesome event that will leave you yearning to lace up your skates and play some backyard hockey.

3. Ice Castles in Stillwater

Dates: Weather dependent. Typically opens late January and runs through the end of winter.Location: Lift Bridge in Stillwater

Why Go: While ice is unpleasant to drive on, it can be breathtaking to look at. Head to Stillwater this winter to gaze at the spectacularly-sculptured ice castles. The spectacle is open six days a week and can be visited both during the day or at night, where the ice is colorfully lit. Special events are hosted at the Ice Castles, including Disney Princess appearance and star-gazing parties with local meteorologists. Tickets can be purchased at Ice Castles official website

4. Winter Light at the Arboretum

Dates: Through mid-AprilLocation: The Arboretum in Chaska

Why Go: Minnesota is home to dozens of fantastic art museums. But very few are specifically designed to be enjoyed outside in the cold. This winter, acclaimed artist Bruce Munro has transformed the Arboretum into a stunning light exhibit. Featuring six large-scale installations and a series of animations, the Arboretum is a chilly visual delight. Need a fresh idea for date night? Grab a couple glasses of wine and a pair of sandwiches to enjoy as you walk through the exhibits. Tickets and event information can be found at the arboretum’s official website.

5. 5k’s and Other Races

There are pros and cons to the all the tremendous holiday food you’ve been eating this winter. Need I say more? Get a head start on summer by participating in one of the many local races. Need more incentive? Most of the races align with tremendous non-profits to help raise funds and awareness.

6. Loppet Cross Country Ski Festival

Dates: Jan. 31 – Feb. 3, 2019Location: Minneapolis

Why Go: Did the prospect of entering a race this winter garner your interest, but leave you desiring a bit more? How about participating in a cross country ski race? The Loppet festival features a weekend of events for participants and spectators. Among the events are: